Massachusetts reporter Joe Reppucci's news and resources for those who love pets

The Ruff Report: Dogs and Safety

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Joe Reppucci of Lexington, Mass., writes about dogs and keeping them a healthy part of the family. He has worked as a reporter and editor on major daily newspapers in the Boston area for more than 30 years and is a graduate of Lexington High School
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Joe Reppucci of Lexington, Mass., writes about dogs and keeping them a healthy part of the family. He has worked as a reporter and editor on major daily newspapers in the Boston area for more than 30 years and is a graduate of Lexington High School and of Suffolk University in Boston. He writes often about nutrition, behavior and saving money on pet supplies and insurance.

Every house and apartment has them, we enjoy them and use them every day. But this ordinary household gadgetthat lights up our lives so much also can have a dark side, because it can easily become a deathtrap for pets.

This seemingly harmless gadgetis a window, and when left open, it can result in a curious pet jumping to its death or being severely injured, according to animal welfare experts. And this danger, best known as high-rise syndrome, is most likely to happen in warmer weather when unsuspecting pet parents open windows for a breath of fresh air.

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"Many people donít realize how curious cats and dogs can be around an open window,Ē Dr. Klein, supervising veterinarian at Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center, states in a media release. ďPets donít have the same sense of danger that people have and are easily enticed by things they see outside. The results can be catastrophic.Ē

Dr. Louise Murray, vice president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animalsís Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York, says high-rise syndrome is easily prevented by simply installing a high-quality, sturdy screen. ďIt is important for pet owners to realize that high-rise syndrome is 100 percent preventable," Dr. Murray states in a media release." The cost of a screen is far less than the thousands of dollars in emergency veterinary care, not to mention your petís pain and suffering, that could result from an easily avoidable high-rise accident.Ē

Small dogs and cats can slip through childproof window guards, so pet owners need to take special precautions and install snug protective screens, Dr. Louise Murray said.

Cats can be especially susceptible to high-rise syndrome, because they have little fear of heights and enjoy perching in high places, Dr. Murray said. ďCats who never leave their residence may not realize how high up they are. And if they are distracted by whatís going on outside, they can jump out of the window, or lose their balance and fall."